Ground slag cement clinker
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2618000000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2618000000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2619009000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2619003000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2523100000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2523900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
ποΈ Ground Slag Cement Clinker
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Import Strategy
π One, Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "Ground Slag Cement Clinker"?
Ground Slag Cement Clinker is a hydraulic cement precursor produced by grinding granulated blast furnace slag (a byproduct of iron and steel manufacturing) with small amounts of Portland cement or gypsum. It is not a finished cement product but rather a raw or semi-finished material used in the production of slag cement (also known as ground granulated blast-furnace slag cement or GGBS cement).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If it's pure clinker (i.e., the sintered product of slag and cement raw materials), not yet ground, it may fall under 2523.10.00.00.
- If it's already ground and used as a cementitious material, it falls under 2523.90.00.00 (other hydraulic cements).
- Do NOT confuse it with "granulated slag" (2618.00.00.00) β thatβs raw slag, not clinker.
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Is It Clinker? |
|---|---|---|---|
2523.10.00.00 |
Portland cement, aluminous cement, slag cement, supersulfate cement, and similar hydraulic cements, whether or not colored or in the form of clinkers: Cement clinkers | Raw or semi-finished clinker (e.g., sintered slag-cement mix) before final grinding | β Yes β Clinker form |
2523.90.00.00 |
Portland cement, aluminous cement, slag cement, supersulfate cement, and similar hydraulic cements, whether or not colored or in the form of clinkers: Other hydraulic cements | Ground or processed cement (e.g., ground slag cement, ready-to-use cement) | β No β Not clinker, already ground |
2618.00.00.00 |
Granulated slag (slag sand) from the manufacture of iron or steel | Raw slag from steelmaking, not sintered or clinkered | β No β Raw slag, not clinker |
2619.00.30.00 |
Slag, dross (other than granulated slag), scalings and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel: Ferrous scale | Iron/steel mill waste (e.g., scale from rolling) | β No β Waste product, not cement clinker |
2619.00.90.00 |
Slag, dross (other than granulated slag), scalings and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel: Other | General waste slag, not used in cement | β No β Industrial waste, not clinker |
π Critical Point:
- Only if the product is in clinker form (sintered, granular, unground) and used in cement production β2523.10.00.00
- If itβs already ground and used as cement β2523.90.00.00
- If itβs raw slag (not sintered) β2618.00.00.00
π° Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Withιε Taxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 2523.10.00.00 β Cement Clinkers
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25.0% (under Section 301 of U.S. Trade Act) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10.0% (International Emergency Economic Powers Act β applies to Chinese-origin goods) |
| Total Effective Tariff | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not applicable (denied de minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:2523.10.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 25% USITC tariff comes from the Section 301 China Tariff List, targeting goods from China deemed to have unfair trade practices.
- The 10% IEEPA tariff is a national security-based levy under the IEEPA, applied to goods from China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
- Total: 35% β Significantly higher than standard tariffs, but lower than the 45% applied to fully processed cement (see below).
π― 2. 2523.90.00.00 β Other Hydraulic Cements (Ground Slag Cement)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:2523.90.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Important Note:
- Even though this is ground cement, itβs still subject to the same 35% total duty as clinker.
- The key factor is origin (China), not physical form.
- No difference in tax between clinker and ground cement β both are hit with 35% when imported from China.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Tips (Real-World Pro Tips)
β 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have List)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clarify: form (clinker vs. ground), composition (slag %), origin, intended use |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | For handling, storage, and safety compliance |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: βGround Slag Cement Clinkerβ or βSlag Cement, Ground, in Bulkβ |
| β Bill of Lading / Air Waybill | βοΈ | Must match invoice |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If from China, must be stamped β otherwise, no tariff relief possible |
| β Test Report (e.g., ASTM C989) | βοΈ | Proves it meets cement standards (helps avoid reclassification) |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show weight, volume, packaging type (bagged, bulk, etc.) |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (Key Pro Tips)
π₯ βClinker vs. Ground, Form Matters, Origin Rules All!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw clinker (unground, sintered) | 2523.10.00.00 |
2523.90.00.00 |
Higher tax if misclassified |
| Ground slag cement (ready for use) | 2523.90.00.00 |
2523.10.00.00 |
Higher tax if misclassified |
| Raw granulated slag (not clinkered) | 2618.00.00.00 |
2523.10.00.00 |
Severe penalties β not cement |
| Ferrous scale or waste slag | 2619.00.30.00 or 2619.00.90.00 |
2523.10.00.00 |
Detention, fines, or rejection |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Clinker from Vietnam, Mexico, or India | Apply for IEEPA exemption β may qualify for 0% tariff if origin is not China |
| Clinker with 10% Portland cement + 90% slag | Still 2523.10.00.00 β as long as it's clinker |
| Clinker mixed with gypsum | Still 2523.10.00.00 β as long as not fully ground |
| Clinker used in specialty cement (e.g., low-heat, sulfate-resistant) | Still same HS code β no special treatment |
π Five, Global Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 2523.10.00.00 or 2523.90.00.00 |
35.0% (China-origin) | None (but documentation required) | High risk β 35% tariff |
| π¨π³ China | 2523.10.00.00 |
5% | CCC, CE, ISO | No additional tariffs |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 2523.10.00.00 |
0% (if CE-certified) | CE, REACH | No IEEPA/USITC tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 2523.90.00.00 |
5% | RCM | Noιε η¨ |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2523.90.00.00 |
0% | PSE | Noιε η¨ |
π Conclusion:
- The U.S. is the only major market imposing a 35% tariff on Chinese-origin ground slag cement clinker.
- China, EU, Australia, Japan have much lower or zero tariffs β ideal for re-export or regional distribution.
π Six, Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Learn from Othersβ Errors)
β Mistake 1: Classifying raw granulated slag as cement clinker
π Result: Severe penalties, detention, or rejection β 2618.00.00.00 is not cement!
β Mistake 2: Using "slag cement" on invoice but shipping raw clinker
π Result: Misclassification, higher duty, delayed clearance
β Mistake 3: Not providing test reports or spec sheets
π Result: Customs may reclassify, demand additional fees, or hold shipment
β Mistake 4: Assuming "clinker" = "cement"
π Result: Wrong HS code, higher tax, compliance risk
β Correct Labeling Example:
"Ground Slag Cement Clinker, 90% GGBS, 10% Portland Cement, Sintered, Un-ground, in Bulk, Origin: China"
π― Seven, Final Verdict: Precision Pays Off!
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "Clinker =
2523.10.00.00| Ground Cement =2523.90.00.00| Raw Slag =2618.00.00.00| Waste =2619.00.30.00"
πΉ Origin matters most β China = 35% tariff, others may be 0%
πΉ Never mix raw slag with cement clinker β itβs a red flag for customs
π Pro Tip:
If your product is originating from Vietnam, India, or Mexico, apply for IEEPA exemption β you may qualify for 0% tariff under U.S. trade policy.
Apply for Advance Ruling (Pre-Approval) β avoid disputes, delays, and overpayment.
π£ Take Action Now!
π Contact a licensed customs broker + provide product photos, specs, and origin proof
π Get your HS code pre-approved β ensure smooth, fast, and cost-effective clearance
β¨ Smart Importing Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your profit margin depends on the right HS code β donβt gamble with taxes!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.